Annie Lowrie Alexander

Annie Lowrie Alexander (1864–1929) was a prominent physician and educator in the United States. She is recognized as the first licensed female doctor in the Southern United States, and her contributions to medicine and women's rights have had a lasting impact.

Early Life and Education

Annie Lowrie Alexander was born on January 10, 1864, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. She was the daughter of Dr. John Brevard Alexander, a respected physician, and Ann Wall Lowrie Alexander. She was educated at home by her father and later attended the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, where she graduated in 1884.

Career

After graduation, Alexander returned to North Carolina and began practicing medicine in Charlotte. In 1885, she became the first woman to be licensed to practice medicine in the Southern United States. She specialized in pediatrics and gynecology, and her practice thrived despite societal prejudices against female physicians.

In addition to her medical practice, Alexander was also a dedicated educator. She taught hygiene and physiology at the Presbyterian College for Women and was a strong advocate for women's education in the medical field.

Legacy

Annie Lowrie Alexander's pioneering work in medicine and education paved the way for future generations of female physicians. Her dedication to her patients and her commitment to advancing women's rights have made her a significant figure in the history of medicine in the United States.

See Also

• Women in medicine
• History of medicine in the United States
• Women's rights in the United States